GXF Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
Please consult the documentation on how to get started with Grid eXchange Fabric or consult Github if you are interested in the development side.

WHAT ARE THE SUPPORTED DEVICES?
A list of supported devices can be found in the documentation in the relevant protocol. Feel free to add you own devices.

ARE THERE ANY LICENSE FEES FOR THE PLATFORM?
Open source license applies: no license fees! You only need to comply with the open source license. The open source community itself does not provide commercial support (only community support). Commercial support is available via open source partners.

ARE THERE COMMERCIAL SUPPORT OPTIONS?
Support options can be find in the documentation.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE?
Grid eXchange Fabric is build on the JAVA programming language.

WHICH SKILLS DO I NEED TO WORK WITH GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
General sysadmin skills are good enough to get started with GXF. Development skills are needed if you want to extend GXF. However you can also contribute to the documentation, maintaining the website, answer questions of other users etc, without developer knowledge.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE FOR GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
Grid eXchange Fabric is an industrial IoT solution for large scale deployments. Hardware producers, application builders, and or a conceptual thinkers with new solutions can benefit from Grid eXchange Fabric. Please leave a message if you would like to know if, and how GXF can help you.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I START USING GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
Our community is willing to help and collaborate, after all that's the open source philosophy. Furthermore, we would like to promote the innovations you make and the products and services you offer via Grid eXchange Fabric. This can help you bring your solutions to the market.

WHAT USE CASES DO WE HAVE FOR GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
Please see the Use Cases page. Currently, we have Smart Metering, Public Lighting, Load Management, Device Management, and Distribution Automation use cases on Grid eXchange Fabric. Any use case is welcome, so feel free to add yours. After adding your use case we will display it on our website. 

WHAT ARE THE BUSINESS BENEFITS WHEN I USE GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
The main benefits are: a shorter time to market, less development costs, quicker innovation, no vendor lock-in and a roadmap you control.

WHAT ARE THE IT-BENEFITS WHEN I USE GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
The architecture is build for scale and contains many standardized features such as device management. Read more on the Architecture page.

WHO IS PAYING FOR GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC?
Grid eXchange Fabric is developed by organizations/individuals using their own resources. GXF was started by Alliander startup and contributed to LF Energy in 2019. We welcome organizations that use GXF or have an interest in open collaboration and innovation to support us in our mission. Every body is free to contribute to GXF (partnership/membership is not needed).

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE INITIATORS/PARTNERS BEHIND GRID EXCHANGE FABRIC QUIT THE PROJECT?
Grid eXchange Fabric is driven by the community. With a big community, there is no problem when an organization no longer contributes. Contribute to the community (directly or via a third-party) to help us make it grow.